What does Leviticus 25:40 Mean?

Context Summary

If a man, through misfortune, were forced to sell himself into serfdom to meet his debts, he could not be legally retained after the trumpet had sounded; but was free to return to his home and family. His rich neighbor, during the time of his distress, was not to exact usury on any loan that he might make, but must give him food, lodging, and help, without charge. The poor man was to be treated not as a slave, but as a hired servant and fellow-citizen whose engagement was of a temporary character, and who might be redeemed at any time before the jubilee, through friendly interposition of a relative.

Nothing in modern legislation equals the jubilee in the interests of religion, social order, and liberty. Is it to be believed that when we, in our various distresses, go to our Heavenly Father, we shall fare any worse than the poor peasant did at the hands of his rich neighbor? And in Jesus have we not one nigh of kin who will redeem us at all costs? [source]

Chapter Summary: Leviticus 25

¹  the Sabbath of the seventh year
⁸  The jubilee in the fiftieth year
¹⁴  Of oppression
¹⁸  A blessing of obedience
²³  The redemption of land
²⁹  Of houses
³⁵  Compassion to the poor
³⁹  The usage of bondmen
⁴⁷  The redemption of servants